Yamfo (BAR), Feb. 5, GNA - Right Reverend Thomas Ampah Brient, former Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Sunyani on Thursday said skin bleaching was not only harmful to the body but contravened the values of African personality.

He said Ghanaians and Africans should be content with the colour of their skin, either fair or black in complexion because the creator in his wisdom created 'us as we are'.

Rt-Rev. Brient made the observation at the inauguration of a 45-seater Hino bus for Anglican Senior High School at Yamfo in Tano North District.

The GH¢20,000 bus was acquired through GH¢20 levy instituted by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Rt-Rev. Brient said skin bleaching devalued personality and an insult to God and cautioned parents to advise their girls on the dangers of bleaching.

"The essence of giving girls formal education is to develop in all aspects of life for social, economic and spiritual well-being for their survival after school," he said.

Mr Kojo Abiw-Abaidoo, Headmaster commended efforts of the PTA and said the bus "is a big boost" to both the staff and students to work harder to uplift image of the school.

He said the student population including 40 borders in February 2003 was 260 with 11 teachers but now with the cooperation of the PTA, it had increased to 738 with 240 borders and 36 teachers. Mr Daniel Kofi Nti, Tano North Deputy Director of Education asked the school authorities to avoid over-using the vehicle and ensure regular maintenance to prolong its life span.